Main Discussion Area > Bows
Yew school
superdav95:
--- Quote from: Hamish on February 11, 2024, 02:01:16 pm ---Are you already proficient in building selfbows? If not, I would do any learning of tillering skills with board bows, or white woods. Like you said this is an ancient tree with premium wood and it deserves the absolute best you can do with it.
If you are proficient then what type of yew bows do you want to build?
--- End quote ---
Totally agree with this. You got some nice yew there it would be a shame to cut your teeth so to speak on such premium stuff. Some white woods are much easier to come by. I started out on white woods way before I went to Osage and yew. I had stock piled my more premium staves in prep for when I felt more ready.
Doug509:
I have cut my teeth with vine maple and feel I'm worthy of the challenge. In between chores and football I have reduced the stave down to the intended layout dimensions. I plan to use steam to correct the twist and straighten the limbs. My understanding and experience is I should start with steam to make big adjustments then fine tune with dry heat.
superdav95:
Well then you are in the right place to get some solid advise when you need it. Keep us posted as you go and should be able to avoid some early mishaps. Looks like a decent chunk of wood with decent ring count. Best of luck on it. How thick is your layer of sapwood?
Muskyman:
I have only made one yew bow. So I can’t really help you. I know that del is probably the master on here when it comes to yew bow wood. Not that some of the other guys on here don’t know how to work it and make some beautiful bows with it. I actually have a stave on the way to me that my son got me for my birthday. So I’m gonna watch your build and glean what I can from it.
I will put one little piece of advice I got from my yew build on here. Yes wood is toxic. So use a dust mask or respirator, if you have one when you’re working on it.
This is off the internet
Is yew wood toxic?
Yes, Yew wood can be harmful due to the presence of taxine, a toxic alkaloid. Exposure to Yew sawdust might lead to breathing issues, skin allergies, and other health concerns, so proper safety gear is crucial.
superdav95:
--- Quote from: Muskyman on February 12, 2024, 11:53:25 am ---I have only made one yew bow. So I can’t really help you. I know that del is probably the master on here when it comes to yew bow wood. Not that some of the other guys on here don’t know how to work it and make some beautiful bows with it. I actually have a stave on the way to me that my son got me for my birthday. So I’m gonna watch your build and glean what I can from it.
I will put one little piece of advice I got from my yew build on here. Yes wood is toxic. So use a dust mask or respirator, if you have one when you’re working on it.
This is off the internet
Is yew wood toxic?
Yes, Yew wood can be harmful due to the presence of taxine, a toxic alkaloid. Exposure to Yew sawdust might lead to breathing issues, skin allergies, and other health concerns, so proper safety gear is crucial.
--- End quote ---
Good advise. Yes. Use a respirator if you got it at bare minimum use a face mask. Not as much a concern if outside doing most of your sanding and bulk wood removal but still good idea. It sucks to use a mask but getting sick sucks worse.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version